Journal articles on the topic 'Health behavior Victoria'
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1
McMorris, Barbara J., Sheryl A. Hemphill, John W. Toumbourou, Richard F. Catalano, and George C. Patton. "Prevalence of Substance Use and Delinquent Behavior in Adolescents From Victoria, Australia and Washington State, United States." Health Education & Behavior 34, no. 4 (May 31, 2006): 634–50. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1090198106286272.
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This article compares prevalence estimates of substance use and delinquent behavior in Washington State, United States and Victoria, Australia, two states chosen for their different policy environments around problem behavior. Few comparisons of international differences on rates of multiple problem behavior exist, and most are based on methods that are not matched, raising the question of whether findings are based on methodological differences rather than actual rate differences. The International Youth Development Study used standardized methods to recruit and administer an adaptation of the Communities That Care Youth Survey to representative state samples of fifth-, seventh-, and ninth-grade students in each state. Rates of delinquent behavior were generally comparable. However, striking differences in substance use were noted, with Victoria students reporting higher rates of alcohol use, alcohol misuse, smoking, and inhalant use, whereas Washington State students reported higher rates of marijuana use. Implications for conducting international comparisons are discussed.
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Thacore, Vinod Rai, and Shashjit Lal Varma. "A Study of Suicides in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia." Crisis 21, no. 1 (January 2000): 26–30. http://dx.doi.org/10.1027//0227-5910.21.1.26.
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Objective:To study suicides occurring in Ballarat with regard to incidence, demographic variables, possible causal factors, and association with psychiatric disorders over a period of 5 years. Method:A detailed review of the coroner's record of every suicide occurring during 1992-1996 was undertaken. Information was obtained on socio-demographic variables, method and circumstances of suicide, and associated psychiatric disorders in each case and subjected to psychological autopsy. Results:75 suicides were recorded. The male to female ratio was 4:1 and average age was 43 years. 60% had associated psychiatric illnesses, mainly affective disorders. Carbon monoxide self-poisoning accounted for 40%, firearms for 30%, and hanging, overdose, asphyxia and other methods for the remaining 30%. It was statistically significant that the younger age group preferred firearms to other methods, and that their suicides were precipitated by interpersonal conflicts. Social and personal difficulties were associated in 33%, and triggering factors were present in 40%. Previous suicide attempts were present in 28%, while 32% had manifest behavior changes preceding suicides or verbalized their intent to suicide. Conclusions:Suicide rates in Ballarat were higher than the average overall Victorian and Australian rates. After a consistent decline over 4 years an increase occurred in 1996. The preferred method of suicide was carbon monoxide, although the young preferred firearms. Demographic and other psychosocial factors were similar to the rest of Australia. Unemployment was not a significant factor. Psychiatric conditions, personal and social problems figured prominently as factors of etiological significance in suicide subjects.
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Chung, Esther O., Brian Mattah, Matthew D. Hickey, Charles R. Salmen, Erin M. Milner, Elizabeth A. Bukusi, Justin S. Brashares, Sera L. Young, Lia C. H. Fernald, and Kathryn J. Fiorella. "Characteristics of Pica Behavior among Mothers around Lake Victoria, Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 14 (July 14, 2019): 2510. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16142510.
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Background: Pica, the craving and purposeful consumption of nonfoods, is poorly understood. We described the prevalence of pica among women on Mfangano Island, Kenya, and examined sociodemographic and health correlates. Methods: Our cross-sectional study included 299 pregnant or postpartum women in 2012. We used a 24-h recall to assess pica, defined as consumption of earth (geophagy), charcoal/ash, or raw starches (amylophagy) and built multivariable logistic regression models to examine sociodemographic and health correlates of pica. Results: Eighty-one women (27.1%) engaged in pica in the previous 24 h, with 59.3% reporting amylophagy and 56.8% reporting geophagy, charcoal, and/or ash consumption. The most common substances consumed were raw cassava (n = 30, 36.6%), odowa, a chalky, soft rock-like earth (n = 21, 25.6%), and soil (n = 17, 20.7%). Geophagy, charcoal, and/or ash consumption was negatively associated with breastfeeding (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.18–0.81), and amylophagy was associated with pregnancy (OR = 4.31, 95% CI: 1.24–14.96). Pica was more common within one of six study regions (OR = 3.64, 95% CI: 1.39–9.51). We found no evidence of an association between food insecurity and pica. Conclusion: Pica was a common behavior among women, and the prevalence underscores the need to uncover its dietary, environmental, and cultural etiologies.
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Walsh, Christopher J. "Biological indicators of stream health using macroinvertebrate assemblage composition: a comparison of sensitivity to an urban gradient." Marine and Freshwater Research 57, no. 1 (2006): 37. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf05041.
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Biological indicators are increasingly being used as integrative measures of ecosystem health in streams, particularly indicators using macroinvertebrate assemblage composition. Several indicators of this type have been advocated, including biotic indices based on taxa sensitivities, richness indices and ratios of observed to expected taxa from models predicting assemblage composition in streams with little human impact (O/E scores). The present study aimed to compare the sensitivity of indicators of each of these types (all used for legislated objectives for stream protection in Victoria, Australia) to a gradient of urban disturbance in 16 streams in a small area in eastern Melbourne. The biotic index SIGNAL and number of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera or Trichoptera families were the most sensitive indicators, whereas total number of families and O/E scores from Australian river assessment system (AUSRIVAS) models were least sensitive. Differences in sensitivity were not the result of sampling or taxonomic inadequacies. AUSRIVAS and similar models might be improved by using only predictor variables that are not affected by human impacts and by sounder approaches to model selection. Insensitivities of indicators and misclassification of sites by the Victorian objectives show that assessment of indicators against disturbance gradients is critical for setting management objectives based on biological indicators.
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Hemphill, Sheryl A., Barbara J. McMorris, John W. Toumbourou, Todd I. Herrenkohl, Richard F. Catalano, and Megan Mathers. "Rates of Student-Reported Antisocial Behavior, School Suspensions, and Arrests in Victoria, Australia and Washington State, United States." Journal of School Health 77, no. 6 (August 2007): 303–11. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1746-1561.2007.00211.x.
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Lee, Den-Ching A., Lesley Day, Caroline F. Finch, Keith Hill, Lindy Clemson, Fiona McDermott, and Terry P. Haines. "Investigation of Older Adults’ Participation in Exercises Following Completion of a State-wide Survey Targeting Evidence-based Falls Prevention Strategies." Journal of Aging and Physical Activity 23, no. 2 (April 2015): 256–63. http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/japa.2014-0012.
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This paper examines whether involvement in an observational study may prompt participants to change their exercise behaviors. Data were collected from 394 older community dwellers in Victoria, Australia using a baseline survey, and 245 of these participated in a follow-up survey one year later. Survey domains were drawn from constructs of relevant health behavior models. Results showed that the proportion of respondents who were currently participating in exercises to prevent falls at follow-up was 12% higher than at baseline (Wilcoxon p value < .001). Twenty-nine percent reported they had changed their perceptions about falls and their risk of falls, with comments focused on threat appraisal. Forty-four percent reported having taken strategies to reduce their risk of falling, with comments based on implementation of different preventive strategies. Respondents who held favorable views toward exercises for the prevention of falls appear to change their behaviors that might address falls when participating in observational studies.
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Fabris, GJ, C. Monahan, G. Nicholson, and TI Walker. "Total mercury concentrations in sand flathead, Platycephalus bassensis Cuvier & Valenciennes, from Port Phillip Bay, Victoria." Marine and Freshwater Research 43, no. 6 (1992): 1393. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf9921393.
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Total mercury concentrations were measured in the axial muscle tissues of 562 sand flathead (Platycephalus bassensis) from a total of 37 sites within Port Phillip Bay, Victoria. Mean concentrations of mercury (0.23 �0.18�g g-1 wet weight) were less than half (P<0.05) of those recorded for this species during 1975-78 and below the Victorian health standard for fish and fish products (i.e. less than a mean concentration of 0.5 �g g-1 wet weight) at all 37 sites. During the 1975-78 period, mercury concentrations in sand flathead from the bay were reported to decrease from north to south and from east to west. During 1990, however, mercury concentrations were found to be related to the water depth at which the fish were sampled. Sand flathead from the deeper (22 m) waters of the bay had significantly (P<0.05) higher mean mercury concentrations than did those collected from shallower (7 m) waters. The overall mean mercury concentration in sand flathead from the bay during 1990 approached the mean concentration in sand flathead collected from six sites in Bass Strait (0.22 �g g-1) during 1975-78, although the range of concentrations for the Port Phillip Bay samples (0.01- 0.89 �g g-1) was wider than that for the Bass Strait samples (0.1-0.33 �g g-1).
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Marsh, NR, and MA Adams. "Decline of Eucalyptus tereticornis Near Bairnsdale, Victoria: Insect Herbivory and Nitrogen Fractions in Sap and Foliage." Australian Journal of Botany 43, no. 1 (1995): 39. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/bt9950039.
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Eucalyptus tereticornis growing along roadsides and in pastures in eastern Victoria were often in poor health and were repeatedly defoliated by herbivorous insects. Epicormic buds sprouted following bouts of defoliation and the first epicormic leaves produced from such buds were rich in nitrogen and particularly in nitrogenous solutes such as proline compared with adult leaves. Xylem sap collected from declining trees was richer in nitrogenous solutes than that from healthy trees. Concentrations of total nitrogen and specific solutes in foliage were not closely related to pressure potential in shoots or to nitrogen availability in soil. In glasshouse-grown seedlings, foliar concentrations of total nitrogen and of a number of nitrogenous solutes were increased by reduced water availability. Chronic insect infestations and periodic insect outbreaks may be supported by high concentrations of nitrogenous solutes in sap and foliage, especially epicormic foliage, which in turn may be a response to drought or increasing salinity ('physiological drought').
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Bennett, AF, and BJ Baxter. "Diet of the Long-Nosed Potoroo, Potorous-Tridactylus (Marsupialia, Potoroidae), in Southwestern Victoria." Wildlife Research 16, no. 3 (1989): 263. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr9890263.
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The diet of the long-nosed potoroo, Potorous tridactylus, in south-western Victoria, was investigated by the microscopical identification of faecal remains. P. tridactylus is omnivorous: the main component of the diet was fungi, and other important items included hard-bodied arthropods, vascular plant tissues, seeds and fleshy fruits. There was a seasonal switch in the relative proportions of the main dietary components between the autumn-winter and spring-summer periods of the year. During autumn and winter, the main components were fungi and seeds. In spring and summer, fewer fungi were eaten and the proportions of arthropods, plant tissues, fleshy fruit and flowers in the diet increased. Identification of fungal spores revealed the presence of at least 50 species in the diet, most of which have a hypogeal fruiting habit. Hypogeal fungi form ectotrophic mycorrhizal associations with forest trees and are important in the health and productivity of forests. They lack active mechanisms for spore dispersal and are dependent upon mycophagous animals. The role of mycophagous small mammals, such as P. tridactylus, in the health of forest ecosystems may be more important than previously recognised.
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Morrissey, Bridget, Steven Allender, and Claudia Strugnell. "Dietary and Activity Factors Influence Poor Sleep and the Sleep-Obesity Nexus among Children." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16, no. 10 (May 20, 2019): 1778. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16101778.
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Background: Behavioral factors such as physical activity, sedentary behavior and diet have previously been found to be key modifiable determinants of childhood overweight and obesity, yet require further investigation to provide an understanding of their potential influence on sleep outcomes along with the sleep-obesity nexus. Methods: The study included 2253 students (ages 8.8–13.5) from two monitoring studies across regional Victoria. Students completed a self-report electronic questionnaire on demographic characteristics, health behaviors (including sleep, physical activity, screen time and diet) and well-being, and were invited to have anthropometric measurements (height and weight) taken. Regression models were used to assess the associations between sleep, behavioral factors and BMI z-scores. Results: Screen time (particularly in bed) and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption were shown to increase the likelihood of having more than three sleep problems, while physical activity and other dietary factors were not. After controlling for these behaviors, significance remained for having two or more than three sleep problems and an increased odds of overweight/obesity. Conclusions: This study highlights how the usage of screen devices and SSB consumption behaviors might influence children’s weight status via the sleep-obesity nexus.
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Madani, G. F., K. R. Ashman, V. S. A. Mella, and D. A. Whisson. "A review of the 'noose and flag' method to capture free-ranging koalas." Australian Mammalogy 42, no. 3 (2020): 341. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am19064.
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The capture of free-ranging individuals is often needed for research, population management and health assessment. Because of its iconic and threatened species status, methods to capture koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) receive disproportionate scrutiny. We collated data on koala capture frequency, duration held by noose and incidents from six studies of koalas in Victoria and New South Wales that all used the ‘noose and flag’ method as the primary method of capture. Adverse events occurred in less than 1% of all captures (7 of 1236). Mean capture time in three of four locations recording duration held by noose was less than five minutes, minimising the duration of distress to the koala while allowing researchers to maintain control over the animal. The exception to this was a study in far south-west Victoria where trees were tall and koalas were relatively unresponsive to flagging, resulting in a longer mean duration held by noose (11.2 minutes). The reviewed capture data of the ‘noose and flag’ method suggest that this is an effective and safe capture method, allowing for capture of multiple individuals in a short period, and suitable for most habitat types and situations.
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Wriedt, Kimberley, Daryl Oehm, Brendon Moss, and Prem Chopra. "Perinatal mental health cultural responsiveness training – an evaluation." Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice 9, no. 2 (June 3, 2014): 109–22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/jmhtep-05-2013-0020.
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Purpose – Women from culturally and linguistically diverse communities face barriers to accessing perinatal mental health care. Victorian Transcultural Mental Health (VTMH) is a state-wide service in Victoria, Australia, that supports specialist mental health service providers to improve cultural responsiveness. VTMH provided training for perinatal health professionals in cultural responsiveness. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – A curriculum was specifically developed based on a literature review, consultation forum, and input from members of an industry-based reference group. An Evaluation Tool was designed to collect participants’ feedback regarding the perceived relevance of the training content and its impact on practice. Responses were analysed using quantitative techniques and thematic analysis. Findings – Nine face-to-face training sessions were provided, in metropolitan and rural regions. In all, 174 professionals of various backgrounds (including midwives, mental health professionals, and maternal child health nurses) attended. In all, 161 completed evaluations were received and responses indicated that the training was of high relevance to the target workforce, that the training would have implications for their practice, and support was given for further training to be delivered using online methods. Research limitations/implications – First, an assessment of the cultural competence of participants prior to enrolment in the course was not conducted, and no matched control group was available for comparison with the participants. Second, generalisability of these findings to other settings requires further investigation. Third, the sustainability of the project is an area for further study in the future. Fourth, other methods including direct interviews of focus groups with participants may have yielded more detailed qualitative feedback regarding the effectiveness of the programme. Practical implications – To facilitate the sustainability of the project, following the face-to-face training, an online training module and a resource portal were developed, offering links to relevant web sites and resources for health professionals working in this field. Originality/value – The training addressed a significant unmet need for cultural responsiveness training for a diverse range of practitioners in the field of perinatal mental health. Online training can be adapted from face-to-face training and it is anticipated that online training will facilitate the sustainability of this initiative.
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Morris, Liz, Gregory Jenkins, David Hatton, and Timothy Smith. "Effects of nutrient additions on intertidal seagrass (Zostera muelleri) habitat in Western Port, Victoria, Australia." Marine and Freshwater Research 58, no. 7 (2007): 666. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf06095.
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Loss of seagrass habitat in many parts of the world has been attributed to increases in nutrient loading to nearshore areas. The role of excess epiphyte, macroalgal or phytoplankton growth in shading of seagrass leaves and negatively affecting seagrass health is generally agreed to be a prevalent mechanism in seagrass decline worldwide. In the present study nutrient addition experiments were undertaken at three sites in Western Port, Victoria. Nutrients were added to the water column using the controlled release fertiliser Osmocote™ in late summer 2005. The experiments ran for one month at two of the sites (Blind Bight and Hastings) and at the third site (Crib Point) the experiment ran for three months. Control and nutrient addition plots were monitored for concentrations of inorganic nutrients, number of seagrass leaves, seagrass, epiphyte and loose algal biomass and invertebrate faunal assemblages. Nutrient additions had increased ash free dry weight of seagrass leaves and loose algae at two of the three sites studied. There was also an increase in gammarid amphipod densities at the Crib Point site. We consider that Western Port seagrass habitat is sensitive to increased loads of nutrients within the water column with the Blind Bight region most at risk.
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Langdon, JS. "Haemosiderosis in Platycephalus bassensis and Diodon nicthemerus in south-east Australian coastal waters." Marine and Freshwater Research 37, no. 5 (1986): 587. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf9860587.
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The degree of haemosiderin deposition in the spleen, liver, and kidney of P. bassensis and D. nicthemerus was compared in specimens from Port Phillip Bay, and Lakes Entrance, Victoria, Bass Strait, and the Derwent estuary, Tasmania. D. nicthemerus displayed extensive visceral haemosiderosis and fatty infiltration of the liver at all sites, apparently as normal conditions. P. bassensis from Port Phillip Bay displayed severe visceral haemosiderosis, whereas specimens from the remaining sites had only low background levels of haemosiderin deposition. It is suggested that high levels of visceral haemosiderin in fish species normally displaying low levels are indicative of a suboptimal health status in fish populations. No infectious cause of the haemosiderosis in Port Phillip Bay fish has been identified, and toxic or pollution-related causes are thus considered likely to be responsible.
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Atazadeh, Ehsan, Andrew Barton, and Jafar Razeghi. "Importance of environmental flows in the Wimmera catchment, Southeast Australia." Limnological Review 20, no. 4 (December 1, 2020): 185–98. http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/limre-2020-0018.
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Abstract In this paper the environment, climate, vegetation, indigenous and European settlement history, stream flow patterns, water quality and water resources development in western Victoria, Australia are studied. The last part of the paper focuses on the MacKenzie River, a tributary of the Wimmera River located on the northern slopes of the Grampians Ranges in western Victoria, Australia. Water release along the MacKenzie River was regulated to improve water quality, stream condition and river health especially in the downstream reaches. The upstream section tends to receive water most days of the year due to releases to secure the requirements of water supply for the city of Horsham and its recreational and conservation values, which is diverted into Mt Zero Channel. Below this the middle and downstream sections receive a more intermittent supply. Annually, a total of 10,000 dam3 of water is released from Wartook Reservoir into the MacKenzie River. Of this volume, only about 4,000 dam3 was released explicitly for environmental purposes. The remaining 6,000 dam3 was released to meet consumptive demands and to transfer water to downstream reservoirs. The empirical data and models showed the lower reaches of the river to be in poor condition under low flows, but this condition improved under flows of 35 dam3 per day, as indicated. The results are presented to tailor discharge and duration of the river flows by amalgamation of consumptive and environmental flows to improve the condition of the stream, thereby supplementing the flows dedicated to environmental outcomes. Ultimately the findings can be used by management to configure consumptive flows that would enhance the ecological condition of the MacKenzie River.
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Barnett, Anthony, Ella Dilkes-Frayne, Michael Savic, and Adrian Carter. "When the Brain Leaves the Scanner and Enters the Clinic." Contemporary Drug Problems 45, no. 3 (May 24, 2018): 227–43. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0091450918774918.
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Addiction neuroscience promises to uncover the neural basis of addiction by mapping changes in the “diseased brains” of people with “drug addictions.” It hopes to offer revolutionary treatments for addiction and reduce the stigma experienced by those seeking treatment for a medical, rather than moral, condition. While the promises of addiction neuroscience have received considerable attention, relatively few studies have examined how neuroscientific discourses and promises play out in drug treatment settings. Instead of asking how neuroscience might measure or treat a preexisting addiction “problem,” we draw on poststructuralist ideas to trace how neuroscientific discourses produce addiction as a certain type of “problem” and the effects of these particular problematizations. Based on interviews with a range of different types of treatment providers working in Victoria, Australia, we discuss three themes that reveal neuroscientific discourses at work: (1) constituting pathological subjects, (2) neuroplasticity and “recovery,” and (3) the alleviation of guilt and shame via references to the “diseased brain.” On the basis of our analysis, we argue that dominant neuroscientific discourses produce patients as pathologized subjects, requiring medical treatment. We also contend that the intersection of neuroscientific and recovery discourses enacts “recovery” in terms of brain “recovery” through references to neuroplasticity. Further, when neuroscientific and moral discourses intersect, addicted subjects are absolved from the guilt associated with immoral behavior emerging from a “hijacked brain.” We conclude by emphasizing the need for future critical work to explore the complex ways in which neuroscientific discourses operate in localized care ecologies.
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Dean, Olivia M., Kylie M. Gray, Kristi-Ann Villagonzalo, Seetal Dodd, Mohammadreza Mohebbi, Tanya Vick, Bruce J. Tonge, and Michael Berk. "A randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled trial of a fixed dose of N-acetyl cysteine in children with autistic disorder." Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 51, no. 3 (July 11, 2016): 241–49. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0004867416652735.
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Objective: Oxidative stress, inflammation and heavy metals have been implicated in the aetiology of autistic disorder. N-acetyl cysteine has been shown to modulate these pathways, providing a rationale to trial N-acetyl cysteine for autistic disorder. There are now two published pilot studies suggesting efficacy, particularly in symptoms of irritability. This study aimed to explore if N-acetyl cysteine is a useful treatment for autistic disorder. Method: This was a placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial of 500 mg/day oral N-acetyl cysteine over 6 months, in addition to treatment as usual, in children with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision diagnosis of autistic disorder. The study was conducted in Victoria, Australia. The primary outcome measures were the Social Responsiveness Scale, Children’s Communication Checklist–Second Edition and the Repetitive Behavior Scale–Revised. Additionally, demographic data, the parent-completed Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Social Communication Questionnaire and clinician-administered Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule were completed. Results: A total of 102 children were randomised into the study, and 98 (79 male, 19 female; age range: 3.1–9.9 years) attended the baseline appointment with their parent/guardian, forming the Intention to Treat sample. There were no differences between N-acetyl cysteine and placebo-treated groups on any of the outcome measures for either primary or secondary endpoints. There was no significant difference in the number and severity of adverse events between groups. Conclusion: This study failed to demonstrate any benefit of adjunctive N-acetyl cysteine in treating autistic disorder. While this may reflect a true null result, methodological issues particularly the lower dose utilised in this study may be confounders.
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Opere, Wasonga Michael, Maingi John, and Omwoyo Ombori. "Occurrence of Enteric Viruses in Surface Water and the Relationship with Changes in Season and Physical Water Quality Dynamics." Advances in Virology 2020 (July 3, 2020): 1–11. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2020/9062041.
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Environmental water quality issues have dominated global discourse and studies over the past five decades. Significant parameters of environmental water quality include changes in biological and physical parameters. Some of the biological parameters of significance include occurrence of enteric viruses. Enteric viruses can affect both human and animal’s health by causing diseases such as gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. In this study, the relationship between the occurrence of enteric viruses with reference to adenoviruses and enteroviruses and the physical water quality characteristics was assessed from water samples collected from Lake Victoria (LV) in Kenya. In order to understand the dynamics of season driven enteric viruses’ contamination of the lake waters, we additionally analysed seasonal behavior of the lake’s catchment area in terms of rainfall effects. Physical quality parameters were measured on-site while viral analysis was carried out by molecular methods using the nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR). From 216 samples that were analysed for viral contamination, enteric viral genomes were discovered in 18 (8.3%) of the samples. Out of half of the samples (108) collected during the rainy season, enteric viral genomes were detected in 9.26% (10) while 8 (7.41%) samples tested positive from the other half of the samples (108) collected during the dry season. There was, however, no significant correlation noted between the physical water quality characteristics and the enteric viruses’ occurrence. Neither wet season nor dry season was significantly associated with the prevalence of the viruses. In Lake Victoria waters, most of the samples had an average of physical water quality parameters that were within the range accepted by the World Health Organization (WHO) for surface waters with exemption of turbidity which was above the recommended 5 NTU as recorded from some sampling sites. Continuous and long-term surveillance of the lake water to accurately monitor the contaminants and possible correlation between chemical, physical, and biological characteristics is recommended. This would be important in continuous understanding of the hydrological characteristics changes of the lake for proper management of its quality with reference to the WHO standards. A multiple varied-sampling approach in different geographical regions during different seasons is recommended to establish the geographical distribution and relatedness to seasonal distribution patterns of the viruses. The data generated from this study will be useful in providing a basis for assessment of seasonally driven fecal pollution load of the lake and enteric virus contamination for proper management of the sanitary situation around the lake.
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Gallegos-Sánchez, Jesús José, Francisco Ruiz-Juan, Mario Alberto Villarreal-Angeles, and Jorge Isabel Zamarripa Rivera. "Etapas de cambio en la práctica de actividad física de tiempo libre en estudiantes de secundaria de Victoria de Durango, México. (Change stages to practice of physical activity within free time in high school students of Victoria of Durango, Mexico)." Retos, no. 35 (September 13, 2018): 196–200. http://dx.doi.org/10.47197/retos.v0i35.66878.
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El propósito del estudio fue analizar las etapas de cambio ante la práctica de actividad física en el tiempo libre en estudiantes de educación secundaria de la Ciudad de Victoria de Durango, México. El marco teórico empleado fue el Modelo Transteórico. Se diseñó un estudio cuantitativo, observacional-descriptivo de corte transversal. La muestra fue 1112 estudiantes de secundaria, edades entre los 12 y 15 años (M= 13.52; ±.92); el 52.6% fueron chicas y 47.4% chicos; 37.2% de primer curso, 33.9% segundo, 28.9% de tercero; 69% de turno matutino y 31% vespertino; el 25.5% inscritos en de secundarias Generales Federales, 36.6% Técnicas Federales y 37.9% Estatales; 15.5% en secundarias con índice de marginación urbana alto, 29% medio, 12.2% bajo y 43.4% muy bajo. Se administró el cuestionario de etapas de cambio hacia la práctica del ejercicio físico. El análisis de datos fue realizado por medio de estadística descriptiva y prueba de Chi2. Los principales resultados advierten que la mayoría de los estudiantes(60.4%) están en etapas de cambio poco activas o inactivas (no ofrecen beneficios a la salud); los chicos son más activos (51.7%)que las chicas (29.1%); los estudiantes más activos son los de secundarias Federales Generales así como los de primer curso; cuando el índice de Marginación Urbana bajael porcentaje de estudiantes en etapas más activas o con beneficios para la salud aumenta. Concluyendo que es importante considerar las etapas de cambio de comportamiento para planificar estrategias de modelos educativos. The purpose of the study was to analyze the change stages to practice of physical activity within free time in high school students of the City of Victoria of Durango, México. The theoretical framework used was the trans-theoretical model. It was designed a quantitative, observational-descriptive cross-sectional study. The sample was 1112 high school students, with ages between 12 and 15 years (M = 13.52; ± .92), (52.6% girls and 47.4% boys, 37.2% first, 33.9% second and 28.9% of third deggre 69% morning shift and 31% evening shift, 25.5% Federal General High Schools, 36.6% Federal Techniques and 37.9% Local, 15.5% high urban marginalization index, 29% medium level, 12.2% low and 43.4% very low. The questionnaire of stages of change towards the practice of physical exercise was administered. The data analysis was performed by means of descriptive statistics and proof of Chi2. The main results the majority of students (60.4%) are established in non-active or inactive stages of change that do not offer any health benefits; boys are more active (51.7%) than girls (29.1%); the students of the Federal General High Schools are the most active, as well as those in the first year; In relation to the IMU, as it improves, the percentages of students increases with more active stages or with health benefits. Concluding It is important to consider the stages of behavior change to plan strategies for educational models.
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De Cieri, Helen, Cathy Sheehan, Ross Donohue, Tracey Shea, and Brian Cooper. "Workplace bullying: an examination of power and perpetrators." Personnel Review 48, no. 2 (March 4, 2019): 324–41. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/pr-02-2018-0057.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to apply the concept of power imbalance to explain workplace and demographic characteristics associated with bullying by different perpetrators in the healthcare sector. Design/methodology/approach All 69,927 members of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Victoria) were invited to participate in an online survey in 2014; 4,891 responses were received (7 per cent response rate). Participants were asked about their exposure to workplace bullying (WPB) by different perpetrators. The questionnaire addressed demographic characteristics and perceptions of workplace characteristics (workplace type, leading indicators of occupational health and safety (OHS), prioritisation of OHS, supervisor support for safety and bureaucracy). Analysis involved descriptive statistics and regression analyses. Findings The study found that the exposure of nurses and health workers to bullying is relatively high (with 42 per cent of respondents experiencing WPB in the past 12 months) and there are multiple perpetrators of bullying. The research revealed several demographic predictors associated with the different types of perpetrators. Downward and horizontal bullying were the most prevalent forms. Workplace characteristics were more important predictors of bullying by different perpetrators than were demographic characteristics. Research limitations/implications There are limitations to the study due to a low response rate and the cross-sectional survey. Practical implications Practical implications of this study emphasise the importance of focussed human resource strategies to prevent bullying. Originality/value The key contribution of this research is to draw from theoretical explanations of power to inform understanding of the differences between perpetrators of bullying. The study highlights the workplace characteristics that influence bullying.
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Perlstein, Robyn, Scott McCoombe, Susie Macfarlane, Andrew Colin Bell, and Caryl Nowson. "Nutrition Practice and Knowledge of First-Year Medical Students." Journal of Biomedical Education 2017 (August 27, 2017): 1–10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2017/5013670.
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Objectives. To compare the knowledge of Australian dietary recommendations to the dietary practices of first-year medical students. Design. Over a period of four years, anonymous online surveys were completed by medical students attending a first-year nutrition lecture. Background. There is little information on the nutritional knowledge and dietary practices of medical students. Setting. First-year postgraduate university medical students, Geelong, Victoria, Australia. Participants. Between the years 2012 and 2016, 32%–61% of first-year students completed the survey. Phenomenon of Interest. Student’s knowledge of dietary guidelines and related practices. Analysis. The frequency of response was assessed across the different year cohorts using descriptive statistics. Results. Between 59% and 93% of first-year students correctly identified the recommended daily servings for fruit, and between 61% and 84% knew the vegetable recommendations. In contrast only 40%–46% met the guidelines for fruit and 12%–19% met the guidelines for vegetables. Conclusions and Implications. Discrepancies between students’ nutrition knowledge and behavior can provide learning opportunities. With low rates of fruit and vegetable consumption in medical students, increased awareness of links between nutrition and health, together with encouragement to make behavioral changes, may increase the skills of graduates to support patients in improving dietary intake.
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Schultz, David J., Brian G. Rich, Wayne Rohrig, Peter J. McCarthy, Brian Mathews, Tim J. Schultz, Tony Corrigan, and David A. Taggart. "Investigations into the health of brush-tailed rock-wallabies (Petrogale penicillata) before and after reintroduction." Australian Mammalogy 33, no. 2 (2011): 235. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/am11010.
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The health of reintroduced animals has received little attention despite the potential impacts of poor animal health on the overall success of the reintroduction and potential risks to the host environment. As part of a reintroduction program, captive-bred brush-tailed rock-wallabies (BTRWs) (Petrogale penicillata) were hardened-off for at least three months before release into the Grampians National Park, western Victoria. A total of 41 animals were involved in the project, with the 24 selected for hardening-off aged between 1.1 and 4.3 years. In all, 21 animals have been released, with data from 11 collected from all sites (captive, hardening-off and reintroduced). At each site animals were periodically trapped, anaesthetised, physically examined, weighed, and blood sampled for haematological and biochemical data over three calendar years. All reintroduced animals were radio-collared. This study presents data across sites (167 samples), two seasons (winter/spring, 95 samples; summer/autumn, 72 samples), two different age groups (juveniles <1.25 years and subadults/adults >1.25 years) and both sexes. Seventy percent of released BTRWs and 90% of sympatric macropodids were positive for macropod herpes virus; none of three BTRWs tested for toxoplasmosis was positive. Faeces were collected opportunistically for flotation and ectoparasites were collected and identified. While physical examinations with anaesthesia were safe and eliminated some animals from being released, they failed to detect all cases of oral cavity disease. A reference range of haematological and biochemical parameters have been established for this evolutionarily significant unit of BTRW. Lymphocyte/neutrophil ratios of released animals suggested that the main acute stressor is a handling phenomenon but the oxidative stress index suggested that animals were coping with their environment. Significant site differences were noted for several variables including red cell mass (red cell count, haemoglobin, haematocrit), white cell count, lymphocyte/neutrophil ratio, albumin globulin ratio, creatinine, urate, ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, retinol, cholinesterase, total carotenoids and oxidative stress index. Significant seasonal differences were noted for some variables, including red cell mass, ascorbic acid, albumin globulin ratio, cholinesterase, total carotenoids and retinol. Significant age differences were noted for red cell mass, albumin and dietary antioxidants. The only sex-related difference related to higher retinol levels in females. Those parameters related to diet, e.g. albumin, retinol, α-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, and total carotenoids were consistent with those found in other rock-wallabies.
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Mulraney, Melissa, Nardia Zendarski, Fiona Mensah, Harriet Hiscock, and Emma Sciberras. "Do early internalizing and externalizing problems predict later irritability in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder?" Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 51, no. 4 (August 20, 2016): 393–402. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0004867416659365.
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Objective: Irritable mood is common in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Research to date has primarily comprised cross-sectional studies; thus, little is known about the antecedents of irritability. Furthermore, existing cross-sectional studies generally focus on the association between irritability and comorbidities and do not examine broader aspects of functioning. Finally, previous research has neglected to include child-report of irritability. This study aimed to address these gaps using data from a longitudinal study of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Method: Children aged 5–13 years (mean = 10.2; standard deviation = 1.9) with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder were recruited from pediatric practices across Victoria, Australia. This study reports on those who had reached adolescence (12 years or older, mean = 13.8; standard deviation = 1.2) at the 3-year follow-up ( n = 140). Internalizing and externalizing problems were measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. At follow-up, parent-reported and adolescent self-reported irritability was assessed using the Affective Reactivity Index. Parent and adolescent outcomes measured at follow-up included attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptom severity, sleep, behavior and parent mental health. Results: Children with externalizing problems at age 10 had higher parent-reported irritability (β = 0.31, 95% confidence interval = [0.17,–0.45], p = 0.001) in adolescence. Cross-sectional analyses found that irritability was associated with increased attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptom severity and sleep problems; poorer emotional, behavioral and social functioning; and poorer parent mental health. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of assessing for and managing early conduct problems in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, as these predict ongoing irritability which, in turn, is associated with poorer functioning across a number of domains.
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Jiang, Jacqueline, Hamed Akhlaghi, Darren Haywood, Brendan Morrissey, and Stephen Parnis. "Mental health consequences of COVID-19 suppression strategies in Victoria, Australia: a narrative review." Journal of International Medical Research 50, no. 11 (November 2022): 030006052211344. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/03000605221134466.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed significant mental health burdens upon the general population worldwide, either directly owing to the disease or indirectly through aggressive public health measures to control spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. In this narrative review, we used a systematic approach to summarize the impact of restrictive lockdown measures on the general mental health of people living in Victoria, Australia during 2020 and to identify the groups with an increased risk of adverse mental health outcomes. A systematic database search (Ovid Medline, PsycINFO, Embase) for articles examining the mental health of Victorians in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020 yielded 88 articles, of which 15 articles were finally included in this review. We found that the general mental health of Victorians was negatively affected by COVID-19 restrictions during 2020. Although studies reported heterogeneous mental health outcomes, we found that the general population consistently used coping strategies and demonstrated mental health help-seeking behaviors in response to the restrictions. Women, children, young people, carers, people who became unemployed owing to the pandemic, and those with pre-existing psychiatric conditions had a higher risk of adverse mental health consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
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Pierce, Anna B., Keflemariam Yohannes, Rebecca Guy, Kerrie M. Watson, Jude Armishaw, Brian Price, Jennifer F. Hoy, Edwina J. Wright, and Mark A. Stoové. "HIV seroconversions among male non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis service users: a data linkage study." Sexual Health 8, no. 2 (2011): 179. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/sh10063.
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Background: Despite widespread prescription of non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (NPEP) in Victoria, little is known about subsequent HIV acquisition among NPEP users. We linked the Victorian NPEP Service (VNPEPS) database and the Victorian HIV Surveillance Registry to determine the number, incidence rate and predictive factors of HIV seroconversions among users of the VNPEPS. Methods: Records from male patients that received NPEP in the VNPEPS database (n = 1420) between January 2001 and February 2008 were linked with all entries in the Victorian HIV Surveillance Registry up to May 2008. Results: Sixty-one men who presented to the VNPEPS were identified as HIV seropositive; 16 of these were diagnosed at initial presentation for NPEP. The incidence of HIV seroconversion in males who were HIV seronegative at first presentation for NPEP was 1.27 (95% confidence interval 0.95–1.70) per 100 person-years. There was no association between HIV seroconversion and number of NPEP presentations or age. The median age of seroconversion was 34.6 years. Conclusion: The incidence of HIV infection among men presenting to the VNPEPS is slightly lower than the HIV incidence in NPEP users in a recent Australian cohort study of men who have sex with men, but higher than HIV incidence in general gay male populations. Frequency of NPEP use was not associated with risk of HIV seroconversion. Examination of risk behaviour before and after NPEP use in this population is required to further assess the impact of NPEP availability and use on HIV incidence rates and risk behaviour in Australia.
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Marrone, J., C. K. Fairley, M. Saville, C. Bradshaw, F. J. Bowden, B. Donovan, and J. S. Hocking. "31. WHY HAS TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS DECLINED DRAMATICALLY AMONG VICTORIAN WOMEN (1947-2005)?" Sexual Health 4, no. 4 (2007): 296. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/shv4n4ab31.
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Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) diagnosis rates have decreased considerably in some countries during the last two decades. It is unclear why TV has decreased only in some countries. This study investigated the relationships between: 1) TV diagnosis rates among women attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC), and among Pap smears screened by Victorian Cytology Services (VCS); 2) the use of nitroimidazoles in Australia and; 3) gonorrhoea notification data for Victoria to assess changes in sexual behaviour. TV diagnosis rates among women attending MSHC rose from under 5% in the 1940's, to 20% to 30% in the 1960's and then declined 5% to 10% during the 1970's. From 1980 onwards, TV diagnosis rates fell progressively to below 1% by 1991, with 0.1% in 2004. A similar pattern was seen in TV at VCS, but with lower absolute percentages. Metronidazole was introduced into Australia in 1961 and tinidazole in 1976 and by 1987 there were 400 000 nitroimidazole prescriptions per year. Pap smear screening in Victoria began in 1965, only including 20% of women per year (aged 15 to 69) by the mid 1980's. Post 1980's, screening rose until 2000, stabilising at 35% of women per year. Gonorrhoea notification rates peaked during times TV was experiencing its greatest falls. The initial decline of TV seen in Victoria was associated with the introduction of effective antibiotics. The further decline to less than 1% was seen when Pap smear screening participation increased during the 1990's.
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Aitken, Campbell, and Cheryl Delalande. "A Public Health Initiative for Steroid Users in Victoria." Australian Journal of Primary Health 8, no. 2 (2002): 21. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py02022.
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Anabolic steroid injectors are at risk of infection with blood-borne viruses (BBVs), but have received little attention from researchers, practitioners or agencies working in public health. In recognition of this gap, in early 1996 the Steroid Peer Education Project (SPEP) began providing part-time mobile needle and syringe distribution and health information and referral services to steroid injectors in north-eastern Melbourne. Demand repeatedly caused the project to expand, and its sole peer worker now operates Victoria-wide, five days per week. Basic information on injecting practices collected from SPEP clients showed that many were at risk of BBV infection. This led to the initiation of a collaborative research project, in which SPEP clients were tested for BBV antibodies and provided detailed information about their risk behaviours. Of 29 steroid injectors tested between May and August 1999, three (10%) had antibodies to the hepatitis C virus, and they described behaviour which could spread the virus to other steroid users. These results show that blood-borne viruses are present in the Victorian steroid injecting community, and reinforce the SPEP's commitment to reducing harm in this group.
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Cox, Amy, and Ryan Rhodes. "Increasing Physical Activity in Empty Nest and Retired Populations Online: A Randomized Feasibility Trial Protocol." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 10 (May 19, 2020): 3544. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17103544.
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Despite the extensive evidence on the benefits of physical activity (PA) in older adults, including reduced risk of disease, mortality, falls, and cognitive and functional decline, most do not attain sufficient PA levels. Theoretical work suggests that behavioral change interventions are most effective during life transitions, and as such, a theory-based, online intervention tailored for recently retired and empty nest individuals could lend support for increasing levels of PA. The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility of the intervention and study procedures for a future controlled trial. This study has a randomized controlled trial design with an embedded qualitative and quantitative process evaluation. Participants are randomized at 1:1 between the intervention and waitlist controls. Potential participants are within six months of their final child leaving the familial home or within six months of retiring (self-defined), currently not meeting the Canadian PA guidelines, have no serious contraindications to exercise, and are residing in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Participants are recruited by online and print flyers as well as in-person at community events. The study aims to recruit 40 empty nest and 40 retired participants; half of each group received the intervention during the study period. The internet-delivered intervention is delivered over a 10-week period, comprising 10 modules addressing behavior change techniques associated with PA. Primary outcomes relate to recruitment, attrition, data collection, intervention delivery, and acceptability. Secondary behavioral outcomes are measured at baseline and post-treatment (10 weeks). Intervention-selected participants are invited to an optional qualitative exit interview. The results of this feasibility study will inform the planning of a randomized effectiveness trial, that will examine the behavior change, health-related fitness, and well-being outcomes by exploring how reflexive processes of habit and identity may bridge adoption and maintenance in behavioral adherence.
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Helson, Catherine, Ruth Walker, Claire Palermo, Kim Rounsefell, Yudit Aron, Catherine MacDonald, Petah Atkinson, and Jennifer Browne. "Is Aboriginal nutrition a priority for local government? A policy analysis." Public Health Nutrition 20, no. 16 (August 14, 2017): 3019–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1368980017001902.
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AbstractObjectiveThe present study aimed to explore how Australian local governments prioritise the health and well-being of Aboriginal populations and the extent to which nutrition is addressed by local government health policy.DesignIn the state of Victoria, Australia, all seventy-nine local governments’ public health policy documents were retrieved. Inclusion of Aboriginal health and nutrition in policy documents was analysed using quantitative content analysis. Representation of Aboriginal nutrition ‘problems’ and ‘solutions’ was examined using qualitative framing analysis. The socio-ecological framework was used to classify the types of Aboriginal nutrition issues and strategies within policy documents.SettingVictoria, Australia.SubjectsLocal governments’ public health policy documents (n79).ResultsA small proportion (14 %,n11) of local governments addressed Aboriginal health and well-being in terms of nutrition. Where strategies aimed at nutrition existed, they mostly focused on individual factors rather than the broader macroenvironment.ConclusionsA limited number of Victorian local governments address nutrition as a health issue for their Aboriginal populations in policy documents. Nutrition needs to be addressed as a community and social responsibility rather than merely an individual ‘behaviour’. Partnerships are required to ensure Aboriginal people lead government policy development.
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Bradley, TL, JA Mercer, JD Humphrey, NJG Moody, and JC Hunnam. "Bonamia exitiosa in farmed native oysters Ostrea angasi in Australia: optimal epidemiological qPCR cut-point and clinical disease risk factors." Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 140 (August 6, 2020): 151–65. http://dx.doi.org/10.3354/dao03501.
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Bonamiosis has developed as a problem in Australian native oysters Ostrea angasi since the parasite Bonamia spp. was first detected in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, in the early 1990s. At that time, large-scale mortalities in both farmed and wild oysters saw the demise of the pilot native oyster culture industry. More recent attempts to farm the species resulted in subclinical infections that progressed over time to clinical disease. The aim of this work was to establish what environmental factors result in the clinical manifestation of disease; determine the diagnostic sensitivity and diagnostic specificity of histopathological examination and a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) test for the diagnosis of B. exitiosa infection in clinically diseased farmed native oysters; and calculate the optimal qPCR threshold cycle (CT) epidemiological cut-point for classification of positive and negative cases. After applying a range of stressors to tank-held oysters, results indicated a 58% increased risk (95% CI: 16%, 99%) of a Bonamia-infected oyster dying if the oyster was held at a higher temperature (p = 0.048). Starving and tumbling oysters, in isolation, was not significantly associated with clinical bonamiosis, but a Bonamia-infected oyster was at the greatest risk of death when increased water temperature was combined with both starvation and increased motion (p = 0.02; odds ratio = 3.47). The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the World Organisation for Animal Health qPCR protocol were calculated for increasing CT value cut-points from ≤25 to ≤40, with an optimal cut-point identified at ≤34.5 (specificity: 92.2; 95% posterior credible intervals [PCI]: 76.2, 99.8; Sensitivity: 93.5; 95% PCI: 84.7, 99.1).
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Keegel, Tessa, Ollie Black, Ewan MacFarlane, Rwth Stuckey, Anthony LaMontagne, Rosemary Nixon, and Malcolm Sim. "O5B.4 Workers’ compensation claims for occupational contact dermatitis: 20 years of data from victoria, australia." Occupational and Environmental Medicine 76, Suppl 1 (April 2019): A44.1—A44. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/oem-2019-epi.119.
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BackgroundOccupational contact dermatitis is one of the most common occupational diseases, but there is a lack of reliable information on incidence. Despite acknowledged limitations, workers’ compensation statistics may provide insights into contact dermatitis patterns.ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to characterise historical patterns of workers’ compensation claims for occupational contact dermatitis.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of workers’ compensation claims for occupational contact dermatitis from 1996–2015 (n=3,348) accepted by WorkSafe Victoria in Victoria, Australia. Accepted claims per 1 00 000 person-years stratified by sex, age and industry were calculated. Denominators for the population at risk were obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics using Victorian Labour Force Survey data.ResultsThe compensation claims rate of occupational contact dermatitis was 6.72 per 1 00 000 person-years for the overall twenty-year period. There was a significant reduction in claims from 11.84 in 1996 to 1.78 in 2015. Males had a higher overall claims rate of 7.97 compared to the rate for females of 5.18. Over the twenty-year period the rate for males decreased from 14.46 to 1.7 compared to a reduction from 8.4 to 1.8 for females. This decrease was still observed when the data were standardised for underlying changes in the age structure of the population. There was an overall decline across all high-risk occupational groupsConclusionsThere was a fivefold decrease in accepted claims for occupational contact dermatitis for the twenty-year period from January 1996 to December 2015 for the state of Victoria in Australia. These results need to be regarded with caution as the declining rate of accepted occupational contact dermatitis claims may indicate changes in workplace dermal exposures or improvements in workplace skin protection practices over time, or they may be driven by underlying changes to the workers’ compensation system or changes to claims behaviour amongst workers.
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Goller, Jane L., Rebecca J. Guy, Judy Gold, Megan S. C. Lim, Carol El-Hayek, Mark A. Stoove, Isabel Bergeri, et al. "Establishing a linked sentinel surveillance system for blood-borne viruses and sexually transmissible infections: methods, system attributes and early findings." Sexual Health 7, no. 4 (2010): 425. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/sh09116.
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Objective: To describe the attributes and key findings from implementation of a new blood-borne virus (BBV) and sexually transmissible infection (STI) sentinel surveillance system based on routine testing at clinical sites in Victoria, Australia. Methods: The Victorian Primary Care Network for Sentinel Surveillance (VPCNSS) on BBV and STI was established in 2006 at 17 sites. Target populations included men who have sex with men (MSM), young people and injecting drug users (IDU). Sites collected demographic and risk behaviour information electronically or using paper surveys from patients undergoing routine HIV or STI (syphilis, chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis)) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing. These data were linked with laboratory results. Results: Between April 2006 and June 2008, data were received for 67 466 tests and 52 042 questionnaires. In clinics providing electronic data, >90% of individuals tested for HIV, syphilis and chlamydia had risk behaviour information collected. In other clinics, survey response rates were >85% (HIV), 43.5% (syphilis), 42.7–66.5% (chlamydia) and <20% (HCV). Data completeness was >85% for most core variables. Over time, HIV, syphilis and chlamydia testing increased in MSM, and chlamydia testing declined in females (P = 0.05). The proportion of positive tests among MSM was 1.9% for HIV and 2.1% for syphilis. Among 16–24-year-olds, the proportion positive for chlamydia was 10.7% in males and 6.9% in females. Among IDU, 19.4% of HCV tests were antibody positive. Conclusions: The VPCNSS has collected a large, rich dataset through which testing, risk behaviours and the proportion positive can be monitored in high-risk groups, offering a more comprehensive BBV and STI surveillance system for Victoria. Building system sustainability requires an ongoing focus.
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Rawstorn, Jonathan Charles, Kylie Ball, Brian Oldenburg, Clara K. Chow, Sarah A. McNaughton, Karen Elaine Lamb, Lan Gao, et al. "Smartphone Cardiac Rehabilitation, Assisted Self-Management Versus Usual Care: Protocol for a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial to Compare Effects and Costs Among People With Coronary Heart Disease." JMIR Research Protocols 9, no. 1 (January 27, 2020): e15022. http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/15022.
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Background Alternative evidence-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) delivery models that overcome significant barriers to access and delivery are needed to address persistent low utilization. Models utilizing contemporary digital technologies could significantly improve reach and fidelity as complementary alternatives to traditional center-based programs. Objective The aim of this study is to compare the effects and costs of the innovative Smartphone Cardiac Rehabilitation, Assisted self-Management (SCRAM) intervention with usual care CR. Methods In this investigator-, assessor-, and statistician-blinded parallel 2-arm randomized controlled trial, 220 adults (18+ years) with coronary heart disease are being recruited from 3 hospitals in metropolitan and regional Victoria, Australia. Participants are randomized (1:1) to receive advice to engage with usual care CR or the SCRAM intervention. SCRAM is a 24-week dual-phase intervention that includes 12 weeks of real-time remote exercise supervision and coaching from exercise physiologists, which is followed by 12 weeks of data-driven nonreal-time remote coaching via telephone. Both intervention phases include evidence- and theory-based multifactorial behavior change support delivered via smartphone push notifications. Outcomes assessed at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks include maximal aerobic exercise capacity (primary outcome at 24 weeks), modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, exercise adherence, secondary prevention self-management behaviors, health-related quality of life, and adverse events. Economic and process evaluations will determine cost-effectiveness and participant perceptions of the treatment arms, respectively. Results The trial was funded in November 2017 and received ethical approval in June 2018. Recruitment began in November 2018. As of September 2019, 54 participants have been randomized into the trial. Conclusions The innovative multiphase SCRAM intervention delivers real-time remote exercise supervision and evidence-based self-management behavioral support to participants, regardless of their geographic proximity to traditional center-based CR facilities. Our trial will provide unique and valuable information about effects of SCRAM on outcomes associated with cardiac and all-cause mortality, as well as acceptability and cost-effectiveness. These findings will be important to inform health care providers about the potential for innovative program delivery models, such as SCRAM, to be implemented at scale, as a complement to existing CR programs. The inclusion of a cohort comprising metropolitan-, regional-, and rural-dwelling participants will help to understand the role of this delivery model across health care contexts with diverse needs. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN): 12618001458224; anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=374508. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/15022
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Kong, F., C. Kyle-Link, J. Hocking, and M. Hellard. "11. SEX AND SPORT: A COMMUNITY BASED PROJECT OF CHLAMYDIA TESTING AND TREATMENT IN RURAL AND REGIONAL VICTORIA." Sexual Health 4, no. 4 (2007): 288. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/shv4n4ab11.
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Chlamydia is the most common notifiable infectious disease in Australia with the number of notifications increasing 92% over the past 5 years. The "Sex and Sport" Project is piloting a community based chlamydia testing and treatment program reaching young people in a specific community setting, sporting clubs. This multifaceted approach utilises health education, population screening and collection of data on risk taking behaviour as the first steps in enhancing health and shaping future service provisions. The project's primary aim is to assess the feasibility of an outreach testing and treatment program. Secondary aims are to measure the prevalence of chlamydia and assess sexual risk behaviour in this population. Strong community collaborations and integration into local health services through the Primary Care Partnerships is important in the project's sustainability; in particular key community members respected by sporting clubs needed to be identified, capacity developed to deliver effective health promotion messages and improve young people's access to sexual health services. Additionally, local knowledge has guided overall program implementation and provides opportunities for capacity building to regionally based services. For example, poor access to sexual health services is being addressed by the participants being able to access services via telephone consultation with Melbourne Sexual Health Centre. Approximately 1000 Victorians aged 16-25 years from the Loddon Mallee region of Victoria will be tested between June and September 2007. This paper will report on the feasibility, challenges and possible solutions in establishing a community based outreach testing and treatment program.
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Guenther, Katja. "Book Review: Ingrid G. Farreras, Caroline Hannaway and Victoria A. Harden (eds). Mind, Brain, Body, and Behavior. Foundations of Neuroscience and Behavioral Research at the National Institutes of Health. Amsterdam: IOS Press, 2004. Pp. xxvi + 366. $92.00. ISBN 1-58603-471-5." History of Psychiatry 18, no. 2 (June 2007): 263–64. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0957154x070180020705.
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Rodwell, L., H. Romaniuk, W. Nilsen, J. B. Carlin, K. J. Lee, and G. C. Patton. "Adolescent mental health and behavioural predictors of being NEET: a prospective study of young adults not in employment, education, or training." Psychological Medicine 48, no. 5 (September 6, 2017): 861–71. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0033291717002434.
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BackgroundYoung adults who are not in employment, education, or training (NEET) are at risk of long-term economic disadvantage and social exclusion. Knowledge about risk factors for being NEET largely comes from cross-sectional studies of vulnerable individuals. Using data collected over a 10-year period, we examined adolescent predictors of being NEET in young adulthood.MethodsWe used data on 1938 participants from the Victorian Adolescent Health Cohort Study, a community-based longitudinal study of adolescents in Victoria, Australia. Associations between common mental disorders, disruptive behaviour, cannabis use and drinking behaviour in adolescence, and NEET status at two waves of follow-up in young adulthood (mean ages of 20.7 and 24.1 years) were investigated using logistic regression, with generalised estimating equations used to account for the repeated outcome measure.ResultsOverall, 8.5% of the participants were NEET at age 20.7 years and 8.2% at 24.1 years. After adjusting for potential confounders, we found evidence of increased risk of being NEET among frequent adolescent cannabis users [adjusted odds ratio (ORadj) = 1.74; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–2.75] and those who reported repeated disruptive behaviours (ORadj= 1.71; 95% CI 1.15–2.55) or persistent common mental disorders in adolescence (ORadj= 1.60; 95% CI 1.07–2.40). Similar associations were present when participants with children were included in the same category as those in employment, education, or training.ConclusionsYoung people with an early onset of mental health and behavioural problems are at risk of failing to make the transition from school to employment. This finding reinforces the importance of integrated employment and mental health support programmes.
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SC Lim, Megan, Kavitha Sundaram, Campbell K Aitken, and Margaret E Hellard. "Blood-borne Viruses and Risk Behaviours among Injecting Drug Users Recruited from Needle and Syringe Programs in Victoria's Eastern Metropolitan Region." Australian Journal of Primary Health 13, no. 3 (2007): 69. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py07040.
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Little has been reported about the risk behaviour and service accessibility of injecting drug users (IDU) living beyond the inner suburbs of Melbourne. This study describes IDUs in the Department of Human Services' Eastern metropolitan region (EMR), including the prevalence of blood-borne viruses and risk behaviours. Fifty-two IDUs were recruited directly from EMR Needle and Syringe Programs (NSP) and through snowball recruitment. IDUs completed a questionnaire and provided a finger-prick blood specimen that was tested for the presence of HIV and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies. No participants were HIV antibody positive; 29 (56%) were HCV antibody positive. HCV seropositivity was associated with having a tattoo in univariate analysis. The prevalence of HCV in surveyed EMR IDUs was similar to that of Victorian IDUs surveyed in the National Needle and Syringe Program Survey; however, the EMR sample exhibited significantly greater levels of risk behaviour, including the sharing of needles and other injecting equipment, and unsafe sex. Similarly, EMR IDUs from outer and rural suburbs reported greater levels of risk behaviours and lower levels of HCV infection than those from the inner EMR. This study shows that with high levels of risk behaviour and relatively low access to NSP services, Victoria's EMR IDU population is vulnerable to future blood-borne virus outbreaks.
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Casper, Stephen. "Ingrid G Farreras, Caroline Hannaway and Victoria A Harden (eds), Mind, brain, body, and behavior: foundations of neuroscience and behavioral research at the National Institutes of Health, Biomedical and Health Research series Amsterdam, IOS Press, 2004, pp. xxvii, 366, illus., £59.00, €83.00, US$92.00 (hardback 1-58603-471-5)." Medical History 50, no. 3 (July 1, 2006): 400–402. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0025727300010097.
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Clarke, Valerie, Sally Savage, Barbara Hanna, and Helen Cox. "Self-reported health beliefs of government housing tenants." Australian Health Review 25, no. 4 (2002): 132. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ah020132.
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Our aim was to provide a description of the self-reported health beliefs of a sample of Victorian public housing tenants, and to identify how gender, age and geographic location relate to these beliefs. Telephone interviews were conducted with a stratified random sample of 360 tenants, asking questions such as what they believe are the major health problems for men and women, what they do to keep healthy, and what makes it difficult to keep healthy. There were many differences in the beliefs held by older participants compared with those of younger participants. By asking about health in general, rather than specific aspects of health, this research identified the views about health which are most salient to participants, rather than those prompted by a survey on a particular disease or health behaviour. The health promotion implications of these findings are discussed.
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Maltseva, Anna V., and Marina-Victoriia D. Grudkovskaia. "The dynamics of a small social group: sociometric analysis development of a temporary children’s team." Siberian Socium 4, no. 2 (2020): 90–107. http://dx.doi.org/10.21684/2587-8484-2020-4-2-90-107.
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The article is devoted to a sociometric study of the stages of development of a temporary children’s collective. A comparison of their features in the modern children’s health camp and the Soviet pioneer camp is made. The analysis of stages of development among modern teenagers is based on empirical data collected by Marina-Victoria Grudkovskaya at the children’s health camp in the Leningrad region during the winter shift from 28 December 2018 to 10 January 2019. Data on the processes of collective development in the pioneer camp were obtained from the works of Soviet researchers. The purpose of the study: to determine the independent constants of the stages of social dynamics of temporary children’s groups and their variables determined by the historical period of development of society. In this study, a temporary children’s team is understood as a small social group of adolescent children formed by age and existing during the next shift of 12 to 14 days. The theoretical and methodological basis of the work was structuralism and the theory of sociometry by Jacob Moreno. The empirical object of research: adolescent groups of children, the age of teenagers 14-16 years. Method: the sociometric experiment. Data processing and visualization was performed in the SociometryPro environment. The scientific novelty consists in obtaining new relevant data on the social dynamics of temporary groups of modern teenagers. The development of a temporary children’s collective is also considered taking into account the socio-historical period that determines the socio-cultural and socio-economic conditions of personal development of adolescents. Conclusions are made about the features of functioning, the process of acceptance and evaluation of social roles and behavior. In particular, it is established that the temporary children’s collective goes through constant stages that are repeated in all generations of children, regardless of the historical period of development of society and changing socio-economic and socio-cultural conditions of growing up of new generations. According to the authors, in the future, in the process of studying the social dynamics of a temporary children’s collective, it is advisable to develop names and characteristics of stages of its development that are relevant for modern children, children’s subculture and the sociology of childhood.
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Carson, Valerie, Madison Boyd, Morgan Potter, Ryan Rhodes, Sam Liu, and Patti-Jean Naylor. "Protocol for the PLAYshop randomised controlled trial: examining efficacy of a virtually delivered parent-focused physical literacy intervention for early childhood on child-specific and family-specific outcomes." BMJ Open 12, no. 12 (December 2022): e066962. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066962.
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IntroductionThe PLAYshop programme is a novel, brief, theory-based, parent-focused physical literacy intervention in early childhood designed to address the major public health issue of childhood physical inactivity. The primary objective of this study is to examine the efficacy of the virtually delivered PLAYshop programme in increasing preschool-aged children’s physical literacy, including fundamental movement skills and motivation and enjoyment.Methods and analysisThis study aims to recruit 130 families with preschool-aged children (3–5 years) from Alberta and British Columbia, Canada who will be randomised to an intervention or control group. The PLAYshop programme is informed by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behavior (COM-B) model and includes four intervention strategies: (1) educational training via a 60 min virtual synchronous workshop, (2) educational resources via handouts, (3) material resources via a goody bag of basic active play equipment and (4) follow-up support via access to a digital app with an online toolkit and four biweekly booster lessons (1-week, 3-week, 5-week and 7-week follow-up). To assess the primary outcome of physical literacy, five fundamental movement skills (overhand throw, underhand throw, horizontal jump, hop, one leg balance) will be measured virtually at baseline and 2-month follow-up using the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD) and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children-Second Edition (MABC-2) tools. Additionally, children’s motivation and enjoyment will also be assessed at baseline and 2-month follow-up by: (1) parental-report using items from the Preschool Physical Literacy Assessment (PrePLAy) and (2) self-report using an adapted Five Degrees of Happiness Likert scale for children. The control group will receive the PLAYshop programme after the 2-month follow-up.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol was approved by the University of Alberta (00093764) and University of Victoria (16-444) Research Ethics Boards. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, social and traditional media and a circulated infographic.Trial registration numberNCT05255250.
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To, Quyen G., Mitch J. Duncan, Anetta Van Itallie, and Corneel Vandelanotte. "Impact of COVID-19 on Physical Activity Among 10,000 Steps Members and Engagement With the Program in Australia: Prospective Study." Journal of Medical Internet Research 23, no. 1 (January 25, 2021): e23946. http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/23946.
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Background Physical activity is an important health behavior, due to its association with many physical and mental health conditions. During distressing events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a concern that physical activity levels may be negatively impacted. However, recent studies have shown inconsistent results. Additionally, there is a lack of studies in Australia on this topic. Objective The aim of this study is to investigate changes in physical activity reported through the 10,000 Steps program and changes in engagement with the program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Data between January 1, 2018, and June 30, 2020, from registered members of the 10,000 Steps program, which included 3,548,825 days with step data, were used. The number of daily steps were logged manually by the members or synced automatically from their activity trackers connected to the program. Measures on program usage were the number of new registered members per day, the number of newly registered organizations per day, the number of steps logged per day, and the number of step entries per day. Key dates used for comparison were as follows: the first case with symptoms in Wuhan, China; the first case reported in Australia; the implementation of a 14-day ban for noncitizens arriving in Australia from China; the start of the lockdown in Australia; and the relaxing of restrictions by the Australian Government. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to test for significant differences in number of steps between subgroups, between engagement measures in 2019 versus 2020, and before and after an event. Results A decrease in steps was observed after the first case in Australia was reported (1.5%; P=.02) and after the start of the lockdown (3.4%; P<.001). At the time that the relaxing of restrictions started, the steps had already recovered from the lockdown. Additionally, the trends were consistent across genders and age groups. New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, and Victoria had the greatest step reductions, with decreases of 7.0% (P<.001), 6.2% (P=.02), and 4.7% (P<.001), respectively. During the lockdown, the use of the program increased steeply. On the peak day, there were more than 9000 step entries per day, with nearly 100 million steps logged per day; in addition, more than 450 new users and more than 15 new organizations registered per day, although the numbers decreased quickly when restrictions were relaxed. On average per day, there were about 55 new registered users (P<.001), 2 new organizations (P<.001), 25.6 million steps (P<.001), and 2672 log entries (P<.001) more in 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. Conclusions The pandemic has had negative effects on steps among Australians across age groups and genders. However, the effect was relatively small, with steps recovering quickly after the lockdown. There was a large increase in program usage during the pandemic, which might help minimize the health impact of the lockdown and confirms the important role of physical activity programs during times of distress and lockdowns.
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Kong, Fabian Y. S., Jane S. Hocking, Chris Kyle Link, Marcus Y. Chen, and Margaret E. Hellard. "Sex and sport: sexual risk behaviour in young people in rural and regional Victoria." Sexual Health 7, no. 2 (2010): 205. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/sh09071.
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Background: To determine the prevalence of chlamydia and understand sexual risk behaviour in 16–29 year olds in rural Victoria through a chlamydia testing program undertaken at local sporting clubs. Methods: Young people were recruited from the Loddon Mallee region of Victoria, Australia between May and September 2007. After a night of sporting practice, participants provided a first pass urine sample and completed a brief questionnaire about sexual risk behaviour. Those positive for chlamydia were managed by telephone consultation with a practitioner from Melbourne Sexual Health Centre. Results: A total of 709 young people participated (77% male, 23% female) in the study; 77% were sexually active. Overall chlamydia prevalence in sexually active participants was 5.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.4–7.3); 7.4% in females (95% CI: 3.5–13.6) and 4.5% in males (95% CI: 2.7–6.9). Approximately 60% of males and 20% of females consumed alcohol at high ‘Risky Single Occasion Drinking’ levels at least weekly and 60% had used an illicit drug in their lifetime. Nearly 45% reported having sex in the past year when they usually wouldn’t have because they were too drunk or high. Sexually transmissible infection (STI) knowledge was generally poor and only 25% used a condom the last time they had sex. Conclusion: Chlamydia prevalence was high in our study population. Many participants had poor knowledge about STIs and low condom use. These findings combined with high levels of risky alcohol use and having sex while intoxicated highlights the need for programs in rural and regional Victoria that combine both STI testing and prevention and education programs.
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Andersen, AN. "Diversity, Seasonality and Community Organization of Ants at Adjacent Heath and Woodland Sites in Southeastern Australia." Australian Journal of Zoology 34, no. 1 (1986): 53. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/zo9860053.
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Adjacent heath and woodland sites at Wilsons Promontory in Victoria support at least 50 species of ants, with the most abundant being Rhytidoponera victoriae, Iridomyrmex spp. (nitidiceps group), Notoncus hickmani, Aphaenogaster longiceps, Camponotus ?intrepidus and Plagiolepis sp. Total numbers of individuals and species in the woodland were twice that in the heath; this was probably caused by the greater structural complexity of vegetation there, which increased the availability of nesting and foraging sites, the level of insolation of the ground, and possibly also food supply. Total ant activity followed seasonal cycles which correlated with changes in temperature and probably also food supply, and, within these constraints, was regulated by prevailing weather conditions. Individual species displayed distinctive foraging schedules which possibly play an important role in species coexistence. Community organization is analysed according to a scheme derived from studies of ants in arid Australia, where taxa are classified according to their physical requirements and their relationships with dominant species. Although the major species in the present study were separated by differences in body size, food type, and time of foraging, interspecific competition appears to be less important than it is in arid regions. At both sites, opportunistic species (Rhytidoponera) predominated, cryptic species (those associated with soil and litter, such as Plagiolepis sp. and Solenopsis sp.) were abundant, and Iridomyrmex appeared to have a relatively weak influence on the abundance of other ants. This contrasts with the situation in arid regions, where species of Iridomyrmex are extremely important, and opportunistic and cryptic species are often rare or absent.
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Roussy, Véronique, Therese Riley, Charles Livingstone, and Grant Russell. "A system dynamic perspective of stop–start prevention interventions in Australia." Health Promotion International 35, no. 5 (September 24, 2019): 1015–25. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/heapro/daz098.
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Abstract Time-limited prevention initiatives are frequently used to address complex and persisting public health issues, such as non-communicable diseases. This often creates issues in terms of achieving sustainable change. In this study, we use a system dynamic perspective to explore the effects of stop–start funding over system behaviour in two community-based initiatives designed to prevent chronic diseases and obesity. We conducted a qualitative exploratory study using complexity theory as an analytical lens of two Healthy Together Communities (HTCs) initiatives in Victoria, Australia. Data were generated from 20 semi-structured interviews with health promotion practitioners and managers, from community health and local government organizations. Template analysis based on properties of complex systems informed the inductive identification of system behaviour narratives across the stop–start life-course of HTCs. A central narrative of system behaviour emerged around relationships. Within it, we identified pre-existing contextual conditions and intervention design elements that influenced non-linearity of system self-organization and adaptation, and emergence of outcomes. Examples include cynicism, personal relationships and trust, and history of collaboration. Feedback loops operated between HTCs and these conditions, in a way that could influence long-term system behaviour. Taking a dynamic life-course view of system behaviour helps understand the pre-existing contextual factors, design and implementation influences, and feedback loops which shape the long-term legacy of short-lived interventions aimed at solving complex issues. In turn, greater awareness of such interactions can inform better design and implementation of community-based interventions.
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Mullen, P., and J. Ogloff. "Providing mental health services to adult offenders in Victoria, Australia: Overcoming barriers." European Psychiatry 24, no. 6 (September 2009): 395–400. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2009.07.003.
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AbstractPurposeTo illustrate the development of the interface between general and forensic mental health services in Victoria, Australia.MethodDeveloping effective cooperation between the general and forensic mental health services requires overcoming a number of barriers. The attitude of general services that antisocial behaviour was none of their business was tackled through ongoing workshops and education days over several years. The resistance to providing care to those disabled by severe personality disorders or substance abuse was reduced by presenting and promoting models of care developed in forensic community and inpatient services which prioritised these areas. The reluctance of general services to accept offenders was reduced by involving general services in court liaison clinics and in prisoner release plans. Cooperation was enhanced by the provision of risk assessments, the sharing of responsibility for troublesome patients, and a problem behaviours clinic to support general services in coping with stalkers, sex offenders and threateners.ConclusionsActive engagement with general services was promoted at the level of providing education, specialised assessments and a referral source for difficult patients. This generated a positive interface between forensic and general mental health services, which improved the quality of care delivered to mentally abnormal offenders.
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Horyniak, Danielle, Stuart Armstrong, Peter Higgs, David Wain, and Campbell Aitken. "Poor Man's Smack: A Qualitative Study of Buprenorphine Injecting in Melbourne, Australia." Contemporary Drug Problems 34, no. 3 (September 2007): 525–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/009145090703400310.
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Cross-sectional studies indicate that diversion and injection of buprenorphine intended for oral use is an emerging health issue for Victorian injecting drug users (IDUs). Between June and September 2006 we conducted in-depth interviews with 23 IDUs from Melbourne, Australia, exploring their motivations for engaging in this behavior. Thematic analysis of the data suggests that convenience was a key motivation for buprenorphine injection in Melbourne as buprenorphine is cheap and readily available. “Needle fixation” was also a commonly cited motivation. Participants highlighted a variety of benefits associated with buprenorphine injecting, including reductions in illicit drug use and time spent engaging in drug-seeking behaviors, leading to greater stability in their lives. Interviewees were not well-informed about the risks of injecting drugs designed for sublingual use and vein damage was widespread and occasionally severe. The views expressed by study participants indicate a need to explore more appropriate opiate treatment solutions, including the option of injectable opiate pharmacotherapies.
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Robinson, Jo, Katrina Witt, Michelle Lamblin, Matthew J. Spittal, Greg Carter, Karin Verspoor, Andrew Page, et al. "Development of a Self-Harm Monitoring System for Victoria." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 24 (December 15, 2020): 9385. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17249385.
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The prevention of suicide and suicide-related behaviour are key policy priorities in Australia and internationally. The World Health Organization has recommended that member states develop self-harm surveillance systems as part of their suicide prevention efforts. This is also a priority under Australia’s Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan. The aim of this paper is to describe the development of a state-based self-harm monitoring system in Victoria, Australia. In this system, data on all self-harm presentations are collected from eight hospital emergency departments in Victoria. A natural language processing classifier that uses machine learning to identify episodes of self-harm is currently being developed. This uses the free-text triage case notes, together with certain structured data fields, contained within the metadata of the incoming records. Post-processing is undertaken to identify primary mechanism of injury, substances consumed (including alcohol, illicit drugs and pharmaceutical preparations) and presence of psychiatric disorders. This system will ultimately leverage routinely collected data in combination with advanced artificial intelligence methods to support robust community-wide monitoring of self-harm. Once fully operational, this system will provide accurate and timely information on all presentations to participating emergency departments for self-harm, thereby providing a useful indicator for Australia’s suicide prevention efforts.
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Bertuccioli, Alexander, Marco Cardinali, and Piero Benelli. "Segmental Bioimpedance Analysis as a Predictor of Injury and Performance Status in Professional Basketball Players: A New Application Potential?" Life 12, no. 7 (July 15, 2022): 1062. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/life12071062.
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Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) is a technique used for the assessment of body composition based on the electrical properties of biological tissues and for evaluating variations related to hydration and nutrition status changes. The present study aimed to investigate the possibility of predicting performance status and injuries using segmental BIVA analysis. Data were collected from 14 professional male athletes aged between 20 and 39 years of Caucasian and Afro-American ethnicity belonging to the US Victoria Libertas Pallacanestro Pesaro team in the Italian Serie A basketball championship. From an analysis of training injuries, the data highlight a possible positive link between the number of training injuries and upper hemisoma reactance (XCEmsSup) (t = 2.881, p = 0.007), an inverse relationship between training injury duration and higher right lower limb reactance (XCLegDx) (t = −4.213, p < 0.001), and an inverse relationship between injury duration and higher body mass index (t = −4.213, p < 0.001), highlighting how higher cellularity seems less prone to severe training injuries. Analyzing match-day injuries, right upper-limb higher reactance (XCArmdx) negatively correlates with match-day number of injuries (t = −4.469, p < 0.001), right upper limb resistance (RZArmDx) negatively correlates with lower match-day injury duration (t = −4.202, p < 0.001), and trunk resistance (RZTrunk) positive correlates with lower match-day injury duration (t = 2.803, p = 0.008), in contrast with the training data analysis. Analyzing the relationship between the BIVA parameters and performance indicators, right upper limb resistance (RzArmDx) has a positive link with plus–minus (t = 2.889, p = 0.007); however, RzArmDx negatively correlates with assist number (t = −3.362, p = 0.002), and BMI is directly proportional to assist number (t = 2.254, p = 0.032). These first data suggest a good correlation between the cellularity of different body districts and the risk of injuries in training but still leave several doubts surrounding the concrete predictive potential regarding performance and injuries during competitions while considering the numerous factors involved. Further studies on BIVA and similar applications could provide tools for managing athlete health and physical integrity preservation and potentially help us better understand the factors involved in improving performance.
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Sigsworth, Michael, and Michael Worboys. "The public's view of public health in mid-Victorian Britain." Urban History 21, no. 2 (October 1994): 237–50. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0963926800011044.
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What did the public think about public health reform in mid-Victorian Britain? Historians have had a lot to say about the sanitary mentality and actions of the middle class, yet have been strangely silent about the ideas and behaviour of the working class, who were the great majority of the public and the group whose health was mainly in question. Perhaps there is nothing to say. The working class were commonly referred to as ‘the Great Unwashed’, purportedly ignorant and indifferent on matters of personal hygiene, environmental sanitation and hence health. Indeed, the writings of reformers imply that the working class simply did not have a sanitary mentality. However, the views of sanitary campaigners should not be taken at face value. Often propaganda and always one class's perception of another, in the context of the social apartheid in Britain's cities in the mid-nineteenth century, sanitary campaigners' views probably reveal more about middle-class anxieties than the actual social and physical conditions of the poor. None the less many historians still use such material to portray working-class life, but few have gone on to ask how public health reform was seen and experienced ‘from below’. Historians of public health have tended to portray the urban working class as passive victims who were rescued by enlightened middle-class reformers. This seems to be borne out at the political level where, unlike with other popular movements of the 1840s and after, there is little evidence of working-class participation in, or support for, the public health movement.